All great pieces of upholstery come with an amazing frame with the base. A sturdy frame means a longer lasting sofa. The best frames to buy are hardwood frame, they are expensive but they are very durable and long lasting. Plywood is next best; it's affordable, strong and durable. Don't even go there if it is a soft wood, metal or plastic frame,they are cheap, warp easily and not strong at all. How the frame is made is also important, the best is connected joints, where wooden dowel, corner dock, metal screws and metal brackets are used.
Good springs make your sofa comfy and last longer. The most expensive but by far the best is hand-tied springs. They are comfortable and long lasting. Serpentine springs are the most common and most affordable for value. They are supportive but they sag overtime. If it has no springs and just has a web mesh it will be uncomfortable and flimsy. Check for squeaks and creaks as they are a sign of incorrectly placed springs. See what metals they use also, the heavier the better.
Filling makes a big difference in your sofa, choose wisely. There are two expensive but good quality options. High resilient foam is comfortable and long lasting, goose/duck feathers are sumptuous and high maintenance. For value without breaking the bank, Polyurethane foam is easy to care for and there is a lot of choice in firmness. A down-poly blend is another cheaper option with a luxurious feel but it will flatten quicker. Polyester fibre is cheap and flattens quickly.
Before your furniture is delivered make sure you clear enough space for our friendly delivery team to maneuver your furniture safely into the room. If you have ordered a reclining sofa or chair make sure there is enough room for the motion of reclining. Once the furniture has been delivered and all packagin been removed, take a few minuted to inspect it and make sure you are completely happy with it before the delivery team leaves. If you have wooden floors make sure you use protective felt on the feet of the furniture to prevent scratching. Leather furniture may appear flat and creased when removed from packaging. Smooth our with palms of your hands and once air circulates the sofa will fall into it's correct shape.'
Grain leathers may be finished or unfinished leathers.
If you put a drop of water on a hidden area and the water is absorbed rapidly, with a darkening of the leather, then it is unfinished.
If you put a drop of water on a hidden area and the water remains on the surface it is a finished leather or water-repellent treated.
If you have finished grain leather lightly wipe the surface with a damp cloth and then gently wipe with a dry cloth. If the soiling is stubborn, a dilute solution of alkaline soap (i.e. Lux Flakes or Dove soap) can be used. Simply add about 1% soap solution. After wiping with a damp cloth, polish with a soft dry cloth. This is applicable to all finished leathers where the finish is being cleaned and not the substrate (actual leather surface).
ALWAYS ensure you keep 2 NEW clothes separate in a plastic bag (free from contamination with bleach & other household cleaners).
Lightly wipe the surface with a damp cloth and then gently wipe with a dry cloth. If the soiling is stubborn, a dilute solution of alkaline soap (i.e. Lux Flakes or Dove soap) can be used. Simply add about 1% soap solution. After wiping with a damp cloth, polish with a soft dry cloth.
ALWAYS ensure you keep 2 NEW clothes separate in a plastic bag (free from contamination with bleach & other household cleaners).
Don't use anything at all.
Turn your mattress four times a year to distribute the wear evenly, more frequently in the first few weeks. A mattress should be turned side to side and also top to toe. The easiest way to do this is working with one person on each long side of the bed, grab onto the handles and turn the mattress perpendicular to the box spring. Then slide the mattress partially off one side, bringing the end that was at the foot of the bed up, and let the other end fall to the floor so the mattress is standing on one end. Then simply let if fall back on to the bed and turn it back into place, with the end that was the foot now at the head.
